Five London design events for May

Five London design events for May

1/5
Mid-century South

The home of Surrey County Cricket is a new venue for the show that started in 2001 and has nurtured the mid-century modern trend ever since. About 50 dealers will offer a lavish spread of last-century furnishings including chairs, fabrics, wallpapers, glass, ceramics and lighting. Specialist in original film posters from 1940 to the present is Orson & Welles, marking the death 20 years ago of Hollywood poster artist Saul Bass. His work (pictured) from a 50-year career is not only collectable but looks stunning on the wall. Tickets cost £10, or two for £10 after 2pm. Or until end of Friday May 13, buy online for £9.
Sunday May 15, 10am-4pm; Modern Shows at Alec Stewart Gate, The Kia Oval Cricket Ground, Harleyford Street, Kennington, SE11

2/5
Collective Genius

This show, the perfect introduction to the breathtaking beauty of studio glass, should not be missed by confirmed glass enthusiasts, either. It highlights Devereux and Huskie Glassworks in Wiltshire, a studio run by glass artists for artists. See work from 20 internationally acclaimed glass artists/designers who have never shown together before. Pictured is Clovis in steel and plum (by James Devereux himself). All works are for sale at prices from £380 to £8,000.
Open now until June 11 at the Vessel Gallery, 114 Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill, W11

3/5
Urban Village Fete

A fun, free outing for all the family, put on by entertainment entrepreneur Wayne Hemingway. His successful “rus in urbe” rural/city frolic has interactive workshops, live entertainment, street food vendors and a good dollop of design. Meet/buy from ceramic artists Tilly Hemingway and Amanda Tong, along with Nylon Sky jewellery. Explore London handmade furniture from Biggs & Quail, and Mahica handwoven baskets. Step inside a giant whale to make your own artwork, join in drumming, fold a paper hat, or master the lost art of hula hooping.
Sunday May 15, noon-7pm, free entry; Urban Village Fete at The Gateway Pavilions, Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10

4/5
English Heritage blue plaque walking tours

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of London’s 902 blue plaques, the current custodian of the scheme, English Heritage has organised four walks this weekend that explore plaques in Belgravia, Charing Cross, Piccadilly, and Westminster (cost is £15 for English Heritage members and £20 for non-members). Advance booking is essential (no tickets on day): call 0370 333 1183. Six new celebratory fine bone china dinner plates (pictured) replicate the blue plaques for Jimi Hendrix; Dame Agatha Christie; Emmeline and Dame Christabel Pankhurst; Sir Alfred Hitchcock; Sigmund Freud and Kenneth Williams (from productofyourenvironment; priced at £35.41 each).
Saturday and Sunday, May 7-8, in central London

5/5
Design Undefined

Sara Carter, who runs Clerkenwell London, a capacious “hybrid” design shop, restaurant and café, says: “Design today doesn’t fit into boxes; it builds bridges between art and technology, innovation and heritage. Our show breaks the rules and asks questions.” Star exhibit is thus an innovatory 3D printed wheelchair, pictured, by young Londoner Benjamin Hubert, which can be “customised” to individual needs. Also enjoy sculptured marble-like art cakes by RCA graduate Kia Utzon Frank, get an insight into today’s materials-obsessed world by the Matter agency and wonder at exotic furniture by Tree Couture.
Tuesday-Thursday, May 24–26, at Clerkenwell London, 155 Farringdon Road, EC1